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PRISONERS OF HOPE June 2009

EDITORIAL..BR N. NKOMOOne of my greatest joys and frustrations ever since I chose to become an Adventist almost 14 years agohas been the music. My joys and frustrations have really been two fold. The first has had to do withthe way we as congregants sing our hymns, and the second has had to do with the way we as congre-gants react to special items that are presented by others.I will address the second point in this editorial and would like to begin with a question. When you aresitting in church and a special item is rendered do you concentrate on the lyrical content of the itembeing rendered? The reason I ask this seemingly ridiculous statement is that I have been amazed atthe number of items through the years that have been presented in our churches that have lyrics thatare not only unbiblical but are also contrary to the beliefs that we hold as congregants. What, to me,has seemed a bigger crime than the sins of the singers, is that we, as congregants, have often givenhearty ―Amens‖ at the end of the rendition. I have been left wondering what exactly it is that we aresaying amen to. Are we really saying ―let the unbiblical item you just sang be so‖?To give an example of the above; a group recently sang in our church a song about how atonement wascompleted on the cross, and at its conclusion there was a robust amen given. Now, I know that thiserroneous belief which does away with the investigative judgement and Christ‘s ministry in the heav-enly sanctuary has since the late 1950‘s found traction in our church, but it is my belief that it is notmainstream within Africa, and more so in our congregation. In saying amen, we were basically sayingthat we agree with the beliefs expressed in the song. The only ―excuse‖ I could come up with is that wewere concentrating so much on the music that the words and views expressed passed through ourheads without us even considering them.This lack of concentration on the words of the music sung can also be easily tested by asking people,after the service, what the songs sung were about. When I have done this in the past, I have realisedthat people are more likely to remember the tunes used rather than the lyrics. This lack of concentra-tion extends beyond the music to the sermons in that many of us, a week after the sermon, only re-member the jokes (which should never be used in sermons), and the examples given rather than the INSIDE THIS ISSUEactual sermon content. Editorial ......................... ……1Lyrical content should not only be important for us when we are listening to others singing, but also Questions....................... .….2when we are singing. We need to realise that when we sing in church, it is an act of worship to our God Rest ................................ .….3and Father in heaven. We need to make a conscious decision to weigh up the words that we sing not Their Sacrifice .............. ..…4only in our choruses but also in our hymn books. In the case of the latter, it is very unfortunate that we Lift Up Your Heads ....... …..6as congregants have allowed rank error to creep in without so much as a whimper.....but then again, Moses Failed God .......... …..8maybe we have never analysed some of the words that we sing, and the content of the many verses FreeWill Offering .......... …..9that have unceremoniously dumped from our previous hymn book under one excuse or the other.My challenge to all of us this month is simple. As we sit in the pews, on our chairs or on our benches,listening to special items being rendered, may we both listen and hear what is being sung. May weprayerfully seek to understand what is being sung. May we perceive much more than the tunes that soeasily dull our sensibilities. May we learn that it is not a duty for us to say amen at the end of a specialitem, nor for that matter at the end of a sermon or prayer. May we realise that in saying amen we arein fact agreeing with the words just uttered and truly saying ―let it be so‖.Furthermore, as we render special items or sing hymns in the congregational setting in the comingmonth, may we realise that we are engaged in an act of worship to our Saviour. May we prayerfullyseek understanding of the words that we are singing and sing only those things that be true and pure.Above all else, may we ask the Holy Spirit to be with us daily as we meditate upon the Word, for it isonly in doing so that we will become grounded in what the Bible teaches to be truth. He will thenbring all these lessons to our remembrance as we sing and listen to songs sung. THE ABORTION ISSUE PART 3 OF 3... BY SR T NKOMOThere are very few cases where the mother has had to kill her make the right decision," when I was never given a choice.child to save her own life, mostly it‘s because of situations like More importantly, where was my baby's choice? I grieve everythe following that I will quote. I pray that as we raise our chil- day for my daughter. I have struggled to forget the abuse anddren to be steadfast, to be honourable, to live a sanctified life, the abortion. I can do neither. All I think of is, "I should havethat we will also show them that we are forgiving and under- done more, fought more, struggled more for the life of mystanding, that no matter how low they fall, they should never child." My abortion was over five years ago. God is still heal-fear to tell us what they have done. May we never force them ing me, but it has been a difficult fight.to commit the sin of murder because of our pride/prejudice.We have ALL sinned and come short of the glory of God. ―My name is Abby and I am 18 years old. When I told my boy-Some of the quotes below are taken from worldlings, but they friend [I was pregnant] he blamed me for getting pregnantreflect an attitude that is found in the Church as well. and insisted that I have the abortion. My mom told me that I either had to have an abortion or get out of her house. The―When I was 18 I was in love with a man who meant every- amount of guilt I feel is tremendous. Everything reminds mething to me and like most girls in love I gave myself to him. I of what I did. I am trying very hard to get through this. I justbecame pregnant and while I didn't know that a tiny life grew can't get over it.‖within me, I proceeded to inhale pot, snort cocaine and speedand drink alcohol. When I found out I was pregnant I told my Brenda's Storyboyfriend and he wanted to keep it...and so did I. Want to I kept the abortion a secret. I told the father and the people inknow why I had an abortion? Because I was afraid what Kansas that knew I was pregnant that I had miscarried. Imy parents would think. So, we went together to have spent eight years after the abortion in destructive behaviors. Ithe abortion done and to this day I think every year of how went to three different secular counselors, never telling themold my baby would have been. This year that "baby" would be about the baby. I got off of antidepressants only two years19, almost 20. I think about the tiny bottom I never diapered, ago. I am receiving counseling now at Birth Choice and hopethe little mouth that never nursed, the little fingers that I to eventually be able to counsel others. I have judged myselfnever felt, the little legs that never ran to hug me, the little guilty of murder for 21 years. I had received God's grace andarms that never held me, the first birthday, the teen years, forgiveness for my many sins, but I could not forgive myself,prom night, driver's license, graduation and college. especially since I knew it was a baby. There is no statement strong enough to explain what it is like for a mother to kill herI think every year about my child whose life I had the power baby.to end and know what? I cry, I cry deep hard sobs and some-times I only have the energy for silent tears like now. Woud My counseling and healing continue to progress. For the firstmy child have been retarded from the all the drugs I had time in 21 years, I don't feel shame and guilt. I'm sad abouttaken? Or not? My boyfriend had been taking steroids and the abortion, and I am sorry I was in sin, but I have finallybegan abusing me verbally and physically. I placate myself been able to grieve for my aborted baby and can think of himwith the thought that my decision was best because I would without horror. Carol. Continued on p5have had this little one to care for with an abusive father butdid that baby's father go over the edge because of the decisionwe made? Would that baby had brought us closer. I'll neverknow.”

Carol's StoryI am a victim of incest; one of the "hard cases" for abortion. Iwas raped by my father when I was fifteen years old. It wasnot the first time, nor would it be the last. However, this time,I became pregnant.

I was told that an abortion would solve my problem, when it

was never really the problem in the first place. I was told,"Your parents know what's best," when they obviously wereonly concerned about their own reputations. I was told, "You

2 REST…..BY SR C LEE In God's Plan, is not empty before sleep the digestive process continues we have al- during the sleeping hours and this results in unpleasant ready studied dreams. Since the stomach has worked while you were sleep- sunshine, air, ing you awake unrefreshed in the morning and with little de- exercise and sire for a hearty breakfast. trust. In this lesson the 4) Early to bed and early to rise. The greatest amount of res- benefits of rest toration is done to the body during deep sleep. Studies show or sleep will be that, due to the "circadian rhythm", which is regulated by the studied. When sun's rays, the deepest sleep occurs between 9 p.m. and 12 a person exer- a.m. cises in the "Nature will restore their vigor and strength in their sleeping open air and hours, if her laws are not violated." Healthful Living, p. 69.sunshine the natural result will be fatigue. The cells in the When a person works two hours longer in the day than isbody can not keep up their work indefinitely without rest. best, the rest that the body needs is not received. Two hoursWhen one exercises, energy is used faster than it is restored; of overwork plus two hours of lost sleep equals four hours oftissues are broken down faster than they are rebuilt; and poi- excess for the system. Also, the work done after normal worksons are formed faster than they can be eliminated. The body time is more taxing on the system and is most likely to bethen needs rest to restore its cells, tissues, and organs to re- inferior in quality and quantity. In this way we are violatingnewed vigor. the laws of nature and the system is not fully restored to vigor and strength. The amount of sleep needed may vary During sleep the body is repaired. All its activities lessen,— according to the individual needs.less heat is produced, the breathing is slower, the heart beatsmore slowly, digestion is lessened, the nerves and muscles When the body is sick in any way, it requires plenty of rest toare relaxed. The entire system is slowed down and the body heal. " She (patient) must have quiet and undisturbed rest."building cells carry on their recuperative work. "They who Healthful Living, p. 225. Mrs. White also tells us that thesleep give nature time to build up and repair the weary waste practice of sitting all night with the sick to watch them, isof the organism." Medical Ministry, p. 80. "Sleep, nature's disturbing to their rest. This is especially true when two peo-sweet restorer, invigorates the weary body, and prepares it ple stay with the patient and talk. She recommends that thefor the next days duties." 1 Testimonies, p. 395. Thus we un- caretaker be in another room, close to the patient, and re-derstand that rest or sleep is essential for the system to be spond to any calls for help. This would allow the patient toable to continue in its functions and also to build up the sleep undisturbed.body. There are several guidelines on how one should sleep to re- Often when one is sick it is hard to fall asleep. This is whereceive the greatest benefit. the other remedies that have been studied in God's Plan are important. When enough exercise is received in the open air1) Have regular hours for sleep. By sleeping at regular hours and sunshine, combined with a simple trust in God, sleepevery night, the health, spirits, memory and the disposition will be a natural occurrence. This is why all of God's Planare improved. Irregular hours of sleeping cause the brain must be followed when restoring health to an individual.forces to be sapped. If there is still insomnia there are several natural ways that sleep may be induced. A neutral bath at a temperature of 94-2) Have an abundant supply of fresh air during sleep. Sore 97 degrees aids in reducing congestion of the brain and spi-throats, lung diseases and liver disorders occur when there is nal cord. This frequently accompanies insomnia. When anot a continuous supply of fresh air during sleep. Also, one person is very tired, nervous and worn out a fomentation toawakens feeling exhausted and feverish from the lack of oxy- the spine will produce sleep. This should be applied verygen. But, when there is a supply of fresh air while sleeping, a warm, not hot, for 20 to 30 minutes. The fomentation maysound, sweet sleep is induced. also be given over the liver and stomach as well as the spine. Also, the following herbs are effective in producing sleep:3) The stomach should have its work all done that it may rest Lady's slipper, catnip, skullcap and especially hops.as well as the other organs while sleeping. When the stomach

3Seep one teaspoon of any of these in one cup of boiling wa- treatment should not be used on someone with diabetes,ter for twenty minutes. Drink it when it is hot. These herbs severe colds, or one who is feeble or has skin eruptions.are a tonic for the entire system and have no side effects asdo sleeping pills. For some, a soothing massage releases The patient must be warm. Give the patient a hot foot baththe body of tension allowing a beneficial rest. Remember for ten minutes, with a cold compress to the head. Have thethat hot and cold treatments are stimulating to the system patient void. Place the sheet in water that is 60-70 degreesand should not be used when trying to induce sleep. and then wring it out. Wrap the patient in the sheet. They "Tired nerves need rest and quiet instead of stimulation should be lying on a dry bed. Cover them with a blanket,and overwork. Nature needs time to recuperate her ex- allowing no air to reach the sheet. Leave for as long as nec-hausted energies." Ministry of Healing, p. 326. There is a essary to obtain the desired result. This works great.treatment especially beneficial for nervous exhaustion.This is called the Wet Sheet Pack. It has three stages of ef- The combination of each part of God's Plan is necessary forfects on the system. The first is the cooling stage, 5-12 min- the restoration of health to the body. May "every personutes, the body heat is removed by evaporation, this also have a knowledge of nature's remedial agencies and how toreduces fevers. The second is the neutral stage, when the apply them. It is essential both to understand the princi-sheet is slightly warmer than the skin temperature—the ples involved in the treatment of the sick and to have aamount of blood is lessened in the brain and sleep is the practical training that will enable one rightly to use thisresult. The third stage is the heating stage when sweating knowledge." Ministry of Healing, p. 127. May the knowl-results in drawing blood from the congested organs. This edge learned in this lesson help all to fulfill the directions

MISSION SACRIFICE—THEIR ONLY SON...BY BR J APPEL

(When we were still looking for mission organizations to join, crowd just in time to help Jeremy and Jonathan lift up the cof-we were given Wendy and Gary Roberts‘ mobile numbers in fin, measure around and make the final trimmings. The wood isChad. We never did get through to them, and sometimes inter- so hard that holes have to be drilled before nailing or the nailsmittently wondered how they were doing. In the meantime, we will bend. We place the small head piece on and Jeremy ham-focused on preparing for Tanzania. This account was taken mers the nails home. The only thing left is to place a small boy,from http://bereadventisthospital.blogspot.com/) recently alive and well, into the interior and hammer it shutWhen I first saw the coffin it was half-finished. Lying amidst a until resurrection day.pile of saw dust, it was a crude little thing, but somehow appro-priate. Hard, twisted redwood had somehow been fashioned The Adventist Youth Society has arrived in their sharp olive andinto a 3 foot long box with bottom, back and sides just waiting tan uniforms. Jeremy, Jonathan and a couple of local men pickfor the front and top to be able to enclose a little 4 year old up the heavy burial box and lug it over to Gary and Wendy'sboy's body. humble abode. They place the casket gently on a simple wooden bed on the porch and wait for the final step.As I walk up to the container where Jeremy and Jonathan aremaking the coffin, I am struck by the cold beauty of the sur- Cherise, Gary and Wendy's two and a half year old daughter,roundings. A steel blue sky with gray angry clouds releases a runs in with a smile proudly showing off the cartoonish horseslight drizzle of rain onto the African plain watering the wet and car that Sarah has drawn on the back of her hands with asand and scrub bushes. A smattering of mango and Shea butter green marker.trees break up the monotony of the flat expanse. A group oftired grave diggers rest against the trunk of a tree to the right. It's almost time.Straight ahead is the beginnings of Gary's airplane hangar with Neighbors and friends arethe two old 20 foot containers making up the end of the hangar. gathering outside. TheAround the half-open doors of one container is gathered a rain continues to sprinklecrowd of mostly children with a smattering of adults all peering the event as lightingintently at the two white men making a coffin. flashes occasionally in the background. Gary looks at me. We walk silently over to the cof-The purr of a small Honda generator is broken intermittently by fin and pick it up. It's rough and twisted wood bites into mythe harsh roar of a power saw and the shocking pounding of hands with the weight of it's import crushing me more than it'slarge nails into hard wood. A cool breeze tries to soften the at- physical gravitational force.mosphere which is heavy with grief. I squeeze through the Continued p7

4From P2: Deirdre's Story is only a blob of blood. It's not a baby yet." Before I hadAugust 1977--I was 16 and I was pregnant. I knew this be- time to think about what I wanted, the abortion was over.cause I had gone to the local Health Department for a freepregnancy test and they had called me back that morning. Looking back and knowing what I know now, I realize thatThe counselor on the phone asked me what I was going to I was going through almost classic Post-Abortion Syn-do. What was I going to do? I had just begun drome. I became a tramp and slept with anyone and every-"experimenting" with sex. I wasn't supposed to get preg- one. I engaged in unprotected sex and each month when Inant. That happened to other people, not me. I answered wasn't pregnant I would go into a deep depression. I wasthe counselor, "I don't know, maybe an abortion. I just rebellious. I wanted my parents to see what I had become. Idon't know." The counselor picked up on this statement dropped out of college. I tried suicide, but I didn't have theand offered to make an appointment for me at a Dallas guts to slit my wrists or blow my brains out. I couldn't getabortion clinic. I agreed. I was never counseled towards my hands on sleeping pills, so I resorted to over theanything, or offered any alternative other than abortion. counter sleep aids and booze.My abortion was publicly funded. The hardest thing of all is trying to forgive myself. It is aI felt sad and empty, as if a part of my soul had been taken daily struggle to accept the forgiveness I know the Lord hasaway. given me. And I will never forget it. Only now I don't wantAs I look back at my post-abortion life, I realize that so to forget it, because it keeps me from getting complacent.many of the mistakes that I made Not a day goes by that the abortionand created for myself were due to doesn't cross my mind. It is a constantthe subconscious image I had cre- struggle trying to overcome my guiltated of myself, I had killed my own and depression, even knowing I havebaby. How could anyone love me been forgiven. I dread the day when Iwhen I couldn't love myself? have to come face to face with my littleI began to drink heavily and use child and explain to her why mammadrugs. I had severe depressions in took her life. But I also think I am awhich I contemplated suicide. I had, softer, more caring person than Iand still have, horrible nightmares might have been.involving babies and people trying tokill me. I still get depressed and cry a lot. I pray at night I had my abortion two days ago. I am 17 and I amthat God will let my baby know that I didn't kill him be- graduating catholic high school in a week (along withcause I hated him. I long to hold him so much now that it prom) etc.). I have a scholarship to a great catholic college.hurts, and I want him to know that. Those were my reasons for having an abortion. I am writ-I have spent many years trying to push the memory of what ing to tell you to think twice before an abortion!!!! I am soI have done to the back of my mind, but it won't stay there. sad and I really didn‘t want to do this. When I first went toI have constantly compared my dead child to what he the clinic I expected to be under 12 weeks but it turned outwould have been doing had he lived. I understand that I was about 14. I hated doing it and I feel disgusting. No-most women who choose to abort experience the same feel- body knows except my boyfriend and best friend. My boy-ings. My child would have been in first grade this year. It's friend wants to pretend like nothing‘s wrong and my bestvery hard for me to look at a first grader. friend doesn‘t really understand. The only reason I did thisI have shed many tears over the last few years and now I'm is so I would be a disappointment to everyone in my life,angry. I'm angry at myself, my family, the abortion clinic, but now I feel like more of a disappointment than ever. Itheir counselors, the doctors (who can commit murder on a don‘t think this pain will ever go away knowing that I was adaily basis), and most of all I'm mad at my government, mother, who not only let her child die, but MADE her childwho prints "IN GOD WE TRUST" on our coins, yet has le- die. I wish I could take it back and be a stronger persongalized the daily painful, violent slaughter of the youngest who stood up for her child‘s life.members of our society.‖Georgia's Story One last question from our Catholic forum. ―What‘s the dif-It was May 19, 1973. I was pregnant from a date rape. I had ference between 10 weeks (in the womb) and 10 years?‖tried to hide it from my parents but of course they found May God help us not to fall into temptation, but if we do,out. Then the pressure started. "How are you going to go to may He help us to return to Him and not compound thecollege with a baby?" "How are you going to support it?" "It guilt we bear.

5 LIFT UP YOUR HEADS...In the last few days, as I quote above, he provides ―irrefutable‖ proof of the aims of thewrite, the pope has re- UN, (which many of us Adventists are in denial about), by linkingleased a new encyclical. it to the ―one world government‖ that he is pushing for.Below are a few quota-tions from it. I would Saints, it is really time for us to lift up our heads, for our redemp-have liked to include a tion is drawing nigh. Very little of the above should surprise us asnumber of excerpts, but Adventists – those of us who have not been in a Laodecian stu-I have chosen three that por. Reading through the statement one cannot but see the realityare pertinent to this col- that Revelation 13 will be fulfilled in the near future. The issue forumn because of space you and me is- where do we stand?considerations. Pleasepay special attention to NEWS: Benedict XVI’s encyclical Charity in Truth #57:the emphasis provided ―Fruitful dialogue between faith and reason cannot but render thein bold. work of charity more effective within society, and it constitutes the most appropriate framework for promoting fraternal col-NEWS: Benedict XVI’s laboration between believers and non-believers in theirencyclical Charity in Truth #67: “In the face of the unrelenting shared commitment to working for justice and the peacegrowth of global interdependence, there is a strongly felt need, of the human family. In the Pastoral Constitution Gaudium eteven in the midst of a global recession, for a reform of the United Spes, the Council fathers asserted that ‗believers and unbe-Nations Organization, and likewise of economic institutions and lievers agree almost unanimously that all things oninternational finance, so that the concept of the family of nations earth should be ordered towards man as to their centrecan acquire real teeth. One also senses the urgent need to find and summit’. For believers, the world derives neither frominnovative ways of implementing the principle of the responsibil- blind chance nor from strict necessity, but from God's plan. Thisity to protect and of giving poorer nations an effective voice in is what gives rise to the duty of believers to unite their ef-shared decision-making. This seems necessary in order to forts with those of all men and women of good will, witharrive at a political, juridical and economic order which the followers of other religions and with non-believers,can increase and give direction to international coop- so that this world of ours may effectively correspond toeration for the development of all peoples in solidarity. To the divine plan: living as a family under the Creator's watchfulmanage the global economy; to revive economies hit by eye.‖the crisis; to avoid any deterioration of the present cri-sis and the greater imbalances that would result; to COMMENT: Should all things be ordered towards man and notbring about integral and timely disarmament, food se- towards God? Is it really true that when believers in any religioncurity and peace; to guarantee the protection of the en- on the planet work together the world will more correctly followvironment and to regulate migration: for all this, there the divine plan? Interesting how ―anti-christianity‖ and ecumen-is urgent need of a true world political authority, as my ism meet in this quote.predecessor Blessed John XXIII indicated some years ago. Suchan authority would need to be regulated by law, to observe con- NEWS: Benedict XVI’s encyclical Charity in Truth #56: ―Thesistently the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity, to seek to Christian religion and other religions can offer their contri-establish the common good, and to make a commitment to secur- bution to development only if God has a place in the publicing authentic integral human development inspired by the values realm, specifically in regard to its cultural, social, economic, andof charity in truth. Furthermore, such an authority would particularly its political dimensions. The Church's social doctrineneed to be universally recognized and to be vested with came into being in order to claim ―citizenship status‖ for thethe effective power to ensure security for all, regard for Christian religion. Denying the right to profess one's relig-justice, and respect for rights. Obviously it would have ion in public and the right to bring the truths of faith to bearto have the authority to ensure compliance with its deci- upon public life has negative consequences for true devel-sions from all parties, and also with the coordinated measures opment. The exclusion of religion from the publicadopted in various international forums. Without this, despite square — and, at the other extreme, religious funda-the great progress accomplished in various sectors, international mentalism — hinders an encounter between personslaw would risk being conditioned by the balance of power among and their collaboration for the progress of humanity.the strongest nations. The integral development of peoples Public life is sapped of its motivation and politics takes on aand international cooperation require the establish- domineering and aggressive character.‖ment of a greater degree of international ordering,marked by subsidiarity, for the management of globalization.They also require the construction of a social order that COMMENT: This is aat last conforms to the moral order, to the interconnec- further call for the abo-tion between moral and social spheres, and to the link lition of the separationbetween politics and the economic and civil spheres, as between church andenvisaged by the Charter of the United Nations.‖ state, as well as a calcu- lated warning aboutCOMMENT: Essentially what we have here is Pope Benedict Religious Fundamen-calling for the ―establishment‖ of a world authority that will man- talists, of which trueage the economy of the world. He further goes on the state that Bible-believing Advent-this world authority should have effective power to control the ists are part.nations and that this authority will need to be universally recog-nized! In his own words he says he says it would need ―to ensurecompliance with its decisions from all parties.‖ Finally, in the 6Followed by Wendy and Cherise we enter the house, pass through the destroy our last enemy, death.living room and into the bedroom to the left where Caleb awaits, cold Then, Gary talks about how much Caleb loved to talk about Jesus and hisand silent. He is peacefully lying on the floor next to the two mosquito second coming and then he had us sing together Caleb's favorite song innet covered mattresses where he slept with his sister. A small, baby blan- English:ket covers most of his lifeless form. Gary and I gently set the coffindown next to him. Gary lifts him up while Wendy arranges the blanketand smoothes it out over his face. Gary picks him up gently in his arms, "When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be notears streaming from his red and swollen eyes. more...when the roll is called up yonder I'll be there!"; Unfortunately, as the local gravediggers go to lay the coffin in the tomb"Let me hold him one more time." Wendy's voice is deep and broken as they realize they've made the hole too small. As they rush to and froshe hugs her first born son for the last time on this earth. quickly to dig the grave larger, the chorale saves the day with a some"Cherise, do you want to kiss Caleb one more time?"; Gary asks softly. traditional, echo and repeat style African songs. Finally, the modifica-"Yeah, daddy..."; She approaches wiping away a stray strand of pure,blond hair from her cherubic face. She leans forward, lips puckered, and tions are made and the coffin is slowly lowered into it's final restingplaces a tiny kiss on the top of Caleb's pale head. place with the help of the rough ropes.Gary covers Caleb up again and lays him in the coffin. He fits too well.This shouldn't be happening. I sob quietly, letting the tears flow freely. As the dirt starts to be shoveled on top of the coffin, Cherise seems to realize a little what's going on. Her heart-breaking cries and tears tear usWe take the even heavier coffin out to the porch where Jeremy expertly all apart. Gary crouches down gently beside her.pounds the last nails home with a devastating sound of finality. It's defi-nitely time now.The uniformed young people wait outside. Gary and I place the coffin on "What is Caleb doing right now?";the shoulders of six young Chadian girls who will bear the honors. "Sleeping, daddy." "And when will he wake up.""Left, left, left-right-left..."; The solemn march begins as we all fall in "Oh yeah, when Jesus comes." Her face lights up a little and she wipesbehind while the young people sing a mournfully echoing marching song her eyes as Wendy picks her up and holds her close.about following Jesus no matter the cost. The procession winds out the As the crowd starts spontaneously singing in Nangjere, the grave-diggersgate, around the fence, past the water tower and out towards the airstrip. expertly create the funeral mound. A handmade hoe, a stick and the endGary's plane stares silently, it's windows covered with a tarp as if even it of a shovel pound and stir the earth into place as two other men shovelis too grief-stricken to observe the final steps of the young boy who the earth in and continually pick up what has fallen to the sides. Thenloved so much to greet his daddy's return from mission flights or climb with some final pounding with the flats of the shovels a perfectly ovalall over the cockpit dreaming of the day when he too would fly. mound arises as only those who've seen much death and assisted many funerals could make it.We march across the deep red laterite surface of the airstrip, cross asandy path, pass through some low scrub brush and arrive at the six footdeep hole that will be Caleb's resting site until the end of the world. A We then turn to follow the Advent Youth as they lead us back singingpile of sandy clay with two hand made ropes strung across it lays to the the same marching songs. Arriving at the house, we follow local customside of the grave. The coffin is marched around the hole and deposited by seating Gary, Wendy and Cherise in lounge chairs along with thecarefully on top of the ropes and dirt pile. A crowd has gathered. The other participants in the memorial service while the mourners pass onewind blows. The rain falls. The universe mourns. by one to greet. The women curtsy and bow while solemnly shakingThe service starts with a couple of French hymns that have never had hands, often with two hands or the second hand touching the forearm ofmuch meaning for me until now. the right hand as they shake as a sign of respect. The men shuffle and nod somberly as they hold the hands for a long time and silently let you"Jusqu'a la mort, c'est notre cri de guerre, le libre cri d'un peuple rachete, know they feel your loss (and they all have lost children so it meansjusqu'a la mort nous te serons fideles..."; (Even unto death, it's our battle something). One crippled man on crutches hobbles in and hugs both par-cry, the free cry of a redeemed people, even unto death we will be faith- ents while tears stream down his cheeks.ful...) Even song off tune the deep feeling of those singing it penetratesto the bottom of my heart. We are free, we are at war, their are casulties, Finally, the kids file in for their respectful shaking of hands as the adultsbut we don't mourn as those who have no hope...we will stay faith- take a seat on mats spread out behind the choral which has been singingful...my heart wants to believe it. French hymns without ceasing. Annie and some of the local women"Et mon coeur n'a rien a craindre, puisque tu me conduiras. Je te suivrai serve Kool-Aid. People quietly converse. Occasional sobs burst forth.sans me plaindre en m'appuyant sur ton bras." (And my heart has nothing Laughter is sometimes heard. Gary and Wendy are periodically calledto fear, because You are guiding me. I will follow You without com- away by phone calls from well-wishers around the world.plaint, leaning on your arm). A cold chill runs down my spine as I feelthe presence of God. He is present. He weeps with us at this tragedy. We The sun sets on a day that started out as any other day and quickly tum-have nothing to fear. bled into an early morning ER call, a desperate last ditch effort and theAfter I give opening prayer, Andre exhorts us with a little eulogy re- laying to rest of a four year old boy in a crude, twisted coffin, restingminding us that death is a sleep, that our hope is in the resurrection when peacefully in the African bush through the rest of this world's turmoilJesus comes again to reunite all of us who have abandoned our rebellion until the end of the world and the beginning of the next when God willagainst him. Caleb's suffering is over, it's those of us left on earth who wipe every tear from our eyes and our last enemy death will die as we allsuffer, but Jesus is coming soon to wipe every tear from our eyes and are reunited with those we have lost.

7 MOSES FAILED GOD BUT REPENTED.... BY SR EG WHITENum 20:12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Be-cause ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the chil- As he looked back upon his experience as a leader of God's peo-dren of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into ple, one wrong act marred the record. If that transgression couldthe land which I have given them. be blotted out, he felt that he would not shrink from death. He was assured that repentance, and faith in the promised Sacrifice,Moses and Aaron had felt themselves aggrieved, losing sight of were all that God required, and again Moses confessed his sinthe fact that the murmuring of the people was not against them and implored pardon in the name of Jesus. PP, p472but against God. It was by looking to themselves, appealing totheir own sympathies that they unconsciously fell into sin, and Had not the life of Moses been marred with that one sin, in fail-failed to set before the people their great guilt before God. PP, ing to give God the glory of bringing water from the rock atp418/419 Kadesh, he would have entered the Promised Land, and would have been translated to heaven without seeing death. But he wasWearied with the continual murmuring and rebellion of the peo- not long to remain in the tomb. Christ Himself, with the angelsple, Moses had lost sight of his Almighty Helper, and without the who had buried Moses, came down from heaven to call forth thedivine strength he had been left to mar his record by an exhibi- sleeping saint. PP, p478tion of human weakness. The man who might have stood pure,firm, and unselfish to the close of his work had been overcome at For the first time Christ was about to give life to the dead. As thelast. PP, p418 Prince of life and the shining ones approached the grave, Satan was alarmed for his supremacy. With his evil angels he stood toBitter and deeply humiliating was the judgment immediately dispute an invasion of the territory that he claimed as his own.pronounced. "The Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye He boasted that the servant of God had become his prisoner. Hebelieved Me not, to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Is- declared that even Moses was not able to keep the law of God;rael, therefore ye shall not bring this congre- that he had taken to himself the glory due togation into the land which I have given Jehovah--the very sin which had caused Sa-them." With rebellious Israel they must die tan's banishment from heaven--and by trans-before the crossing of the Jordan. Had Moses gression had come under the dominion ofand Aaron been cherishing self-esteem or Satan. The archtraitor reiterated the originalindulging a passionate spirit in the face of charges that he had made against the divinedivine warning and reproof, their guilt would government, and repeated his complaints ofhave been far greater. But they were not God's injustice toward him.chargeable with willful or deliberate sin; they Christ did not stoop to enter into contro-had been overcome by a sudden temptation, versy with Satan. He might have broughtand their contrition was immediate and against him the cruel work which his decep-heartfelt. The Lord accepted their repentance, tions had wrought in heaven, causing the ruinthough because of the harm their sin might of a vast number of its inhabitants. He mightdo among the people, He could not remit its have pointed to the falsehoods told in Eden,punishment. Moses did not conceal his sen- that had led to Adam's sin and brought deathtence, but told the people that since he had upon the human race. He might have re-failed to ascribe glory to God, he could not lead them into the minded Satan that it was his own work in tempting Israel to mur-Promised Land. PP, p419 muring and rebellion, which had wearied the long-suffering pa- tience of their leader, and in an unguarded moment had sur-"The Lord was wroth with me for your sakes," said Moses. The prised him into the sin for which he had fallen under the powereyes of all Israel were upon Moses, and his sin cast a reflection of death. But Christ referred all to His Father, saying, "The Lordupon God, who had chosen him as the leader of His people. The rebuke thee." Jude 9. PP, p478/479transgression was known to the whole congregation; and had itbeen passed by lightly, the impression would have been given Satan seeks to bring us into temptation, that the evil of our char-that unbelief and impatience under great provocation might be acters may be revealed before men and angels, that he may claimexcused in those in responsible positions. But when it was de- us as his own. MB, p116clared that because of that one sin Moses and Aaron were not toenter Canaan, the people knew that God is no respecter of per- Moses had humbly repented of his sin, no stain rested upon hissons, and that He will surely punish the transgressor. PP, p420 character, and his name in Heaven's book of records stood untar- nished. By the power of his word, Christ opened the prison-All who profess godliness are under the most sacred obligation to house, and set death's captive free. ST, March 31, 1881guard the spirit, and to exercise self-control under the greatestprovocation. The burdens placed upon Moses were very great; God shut Moses out of Canaan, to teach a lesson which shouldfew men will ever be so severely tried as he was; yet this was not never be forgotten--that He requires exact obedience, and thatallowed to excuse his sin. God has made ample provision for His men are to beware of taking to themselves the glory which is duepeople; and if they rely upon His strength, they will never be- to their Maker. He could not grant the prayer of Moses that hecome the sport of circumstances. The strongest temptation can- might share the inheritance of Israel, but He did not forget ornot excuse sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon forsake His servant. The God of heaven understood the sufferingthe soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of that Moses had endured; He had noted every act of faithful ser-earth or hell to compel anyone to do evil. Satan attacks us at our vice through those long years of conflict and trial. On the top ofweak points, but we need not be overcome. However severe or Pisgah, God called Moses to an inheritance infinitely more glori-unexpected the assault, God has provided help for us, and in His ous than the earthly Canaan. PP, p479strength we may conquer. PP, p421 8 FREEWILL OFFERINGS How does God regard the covetous man? "For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord ab- horreth." Ps. 10:3. What kind of men does God require to occupy responsible positions in His work? "Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hun- dreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens." Ex. 18:21. What warning does the Saviour give against covetousness? "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth PRISONERS OF not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Luke 12:15. HOPE How did God regard the rich man who laid up his goods for his own ease?This newsletter is authored by "But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee; then whose members of the SDA church shall those things be, which thou hast provided?" Luke 12:20. whose desire is to provide a What does Christ say of those who do as the man in the parable? thought provoking newsletterfor Adventists dwelling on the "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:21.banks of Jordan; in the process How much can one carry out of the world? appealing to entire fidelity to "For we brought nothing into this world, and its is certain we can carry nothing out." Deut. the Bible and the Spirit of 8:18. Prophecy. Who gives man power to get wealth? "But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth." Deut. 8:18. What is said concerning those who trust in their riches? "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall." Prov. 11:28. What charge was Timothy required to give the rich? "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God." 1 Tim. 6:17. What ought they to do with their means? "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communi- cate." 1 Tim. 6:18. What will they thus do for themselves? "Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Tim. 6:19. By giving of one's substance to the Lord's work, what does he thus do? "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase." Prov. 3:9. How does the Lord look upon the spirit of giving to the cause? "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Heb. 6:10. If a person has but little of this world's goods, is he not excused from giving? "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which He hath given thee." Deut. 16:17. Then can it be the amount a man gives that is so acceptable to God? "For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not ac- cording to that he hath not." 2 Cor. 8:12. What does one who gives freely to the cause of God provide for himself ? "Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth." Luke 12:33. If one's treasure has been transferred to heaven by giving to God's cause, where will his heart be? "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Luke 12:34.